He served in the U.S. Army from 1950-52 during the Korean War. He received the Bronze Star.

He is survived by children, Richard Torkelson Jr. of Windom, David Torkelson of Ramsey, Robert Torkelson of Crookston, Marilyn Straumann of Hutchinson, John Torkelson of Goose Creek, SC, Carolyn Torkelson of St. James, Jan Benedict of Lamberton; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.